Adoption is such an amazing, beautiful and breathtaking thing.

Obviously there are adjustments and changes in every way, but there is something so astounding at just how God moves to fit people together to create a family forever when hearts are willing.

Vernon has wanted a family for many years.  And yet he has had to wait. He has longed to belong to someone.  Still he waited. He has watched his close friends be adopted.  And he continued to wait and he continued to pray.

He knew his 14th birthday was approaching and he knew his time was running out.  [In China, on an orphan’s 14th birthday they are no longer allowed to be adopted.  The term used is that they have “aged out.”]

Then one day Vernon found out that God had heard his longtime prayers and that HIS family was coming.  Someday I will share about the day he found out…but I want to share one of the most beautiful, so far, moments this mama has had with my precious almost 14 year old son….

The other morning we were down eating breakfast in our big hotel.  The buffet is bountiful and has every food imaginable.  While looking around the buffet I had noticed some sweet cream near the waffle station.

Having to eat Gluten Free the waffle is not an option, but a little, teeny, tiny bowl of sweet cream would probably be a good idea, right?  I found some chocolate syrup near so a dab of that was added.

Heading back to the table, I saw Vernon’s smile. I’m thinking he thought it looked kinda yummy too!  So  I took two tiny coffee spoons and dipped them both in the little bite-sized bowl.  For a little flair and a bit of silly drama I lifted the two spoons high in the air over his plate and banged them together as if to be toasting the spoons.  He laughed.  I put one in his mouth and one in mine.  He grinned.

We smiled at each other.  [Oh how I love this boy!]  Taking the two spoons again, I dipped them in and refilled them.  It had been fun to toast the first time, so I toasted the spoons again and this time with even more demonstrative, dramatic flair.  Not imagining it possible, he smile got even bigger!!

I was reveling in the moment of this precious son of ours.  I stopped, kind of staring at him, taking in just how crazy-amazing our God is that He would grant me this beautiful privilege.   Vern’s amazing.  He’s every bit as dreamy as I’ve said.  I can’t believe I have been allowed this privilege – to be Vern’s mom.   I paused enjoying the sweet chocolately cream and watching him with awe.

As I sat pausing and looking at him, Vernon slowly moved his left hand toward the tiny bowl of cream and carefully touched the tip of his finger in sweetness…I watched closely, wondering what he was doing...and then ever-so-gently using all his strength to lift his not-so-strong-and-not-so-cooperating cream-tipped finger up toward my face, he tenderly and lightly swiped it across my cheek and very thoughtfully and slowly spoke, “I….love…. you….mom.”

Melt my heart.

My eyes welled with tears as the power of that tender moment fell upon my soul.  It was one of the most beautiful gestures and profound moments ever in this mama’s life.

Vernon has longed for a mom and dad for forever.  He has waited.  Finally it’s his turn and he is soaking it all in.  He is reveling in the love.

How many Vernon’s are there out there?  Just waiting.  Bodies a bit broken, but hearts whole and in place, just longing for someone to say, “I want you! I need you!  I have missed you my whole life! Would you please be mine?”  

Seriously friends, I am humbled beyond words that I would have this privilege. I guarantee I have never done anything good enough to have the joy of being Vern’s mom.  I’m forever grateful at the goodness of our God.

PS I asked Liberty to take a picture of my creamy-chocolately swiped face so I could forever remember such a precious moment.